Half-Day Private & Customizable Tour with Kamakura-Born Guide
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Kamakura's rich history and culture on a customizable half-day tour. Guided by a Kamakura-born local expert, visit iconic sites like Engaku-ji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, while enjoying the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your interests.
Savor traditional Japanese cuisine, including vegan options, and uncover hidden gems along Komachi Dori Street. This private experience ensures personal attention and a relaxed pace, making it perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers seeking a unique adventure in Kamakura.
- Flexible 4-hour private tour tailored to your interests
- Discover famous temples, shrines, and local artisan shops
- Optional lunch at a local restaurant or vegan bento, with the flexibility to skip lunch if you prefer
- Learn about Kamakura's history from a knowledgeable Kamakura-born guide
Available options
Kamakura: Tailored Half-Day Tour with Local Guide
What's included
A fully customizable and flexible guided tour
Detailed itinerary
1
The standard meeting point is Kamakura Station.
Your local guide will be waiting outside the ticket gates with a sign showing the lead traveler’s name.
Detailed instructions will be provided after booking.
2
Stop 2
One of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, ranked second, Engaku-ji is a peaceful place where visitors can experience the spirit of Zen.
Your local guide introduces the temple’s history, architecture, and Zen customs, offering a calm and reflective atmosphere away from the city.
Admission fee: 500 yen (not included)
3
Known as the “Flower Temple,” Hase-dera is famous for its seasonal beauty and its impressive Kannon statue.
Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean from the observation deck while your local guide shares stories and background related to the temple grounds.
A soothing and memorable stop during the tour.
Admission fee: 400 yen (not included)
4
Stop 4
Home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, one of Japan’s most iconic Buddhist statues.
Your local guide explains the history and cultural significance of this monumental bronze statue, as well as its role in Kamakura’s past.
Take time to appreciate the powerful presence and serene atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Admission fee: 300 yen (not included)
5
Stop 5
A central site for understanding Kamakura’s samurai culture.
Closely associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, this important shrine offers insight into the origins of Kamakura and its historical role.
A local guide from Kamakura explains the shrine’s history, key highlights within the grounds, and its seasonal attractions in a clear and engaging way.
What's not included
Entrance fee – If the tour includes a visit to Hase-dera, an admission fee of JPY 400 per person is required.
Entrance fee – If the tour includes a visit to Engaku-ji, an admission fee of JPY 500 per person is required.
Entrance fee – If the tour includes a visit to Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura), an admission fee of JPY 300 per person is required.
A vegan-friendly lunch box can be arranged upon request, starting from JPY 1,500 per person, depending on your preferences. Please feel free to contact us for details.
Depending on the tour itinerary, the Enoden train between Kamakura and Hase costs JPY 200 per person, and the JR train between Kamakura and Kita-Kamakura costs JPY 146 per person.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The meeting point will be confirmed after booking, based on the customized itinerary.
Your local guide will be waiting at the meeting point holding a white flag.
If meeting at a station, the guide will be waiting outside the ticket gates.
Detailed meeting instructions will be sent in advance.
About Kamakura
Kamakura is a historic city known as the ancient capital of Japan, rich in Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional architecture. Its coastal location and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for both cultural and nature lovers.
Top Attractions
Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine
A significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Home to a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha, one of Kamakura's most iconic landmarks.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Komachi-dori
A bustling street filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Hasedera Temple
A beautiful temple complex with stunning ocean views and a history dating back to the 8th century.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
A unique shrine where visitors can wash money for good fortune, located in a serene forested area.
Religious
30-60 minutes
Free (donations appreciated)
Kamakura Beach
A popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, offering beautiful ocean views.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (rentals available)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shirasu Don
A bowl of rice topped with fresh whitebait, a local delicacy.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish
Kamaboko
Fish cakes with various shapes and flavors, often served as a snack or part of a larger meal.
Snack
Contains fish
Houtou
A hearty vegetable and noodle soup, often made with local produce.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Matcha Sweets
Traditional sweets made with matcha (green tea), a specialty of the region.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding hills
Beach activities
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Scenic walks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional crafts workshops
Swimming
Surfing
Best Time to Visit
April (cherry blossom season), November (autumn foliage)
These periods offer the most pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery, attracting large crowds of tourists.
15-25°C (April), 10-20°C (November)
59-77°F (April), 50-68°F (November)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (GMT+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kamakura is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings at night, especially in less touristy areas.
Getting there
By air
- Haneda Airport • 50 km from Kamakura
- Narita Airport • 100 km from Kamakura
By train
Kamakura Station
By bus
Kamakura Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The JR Yokosuka Line connects Kamakura to Tokyo and Yokohama, while the Enoden Line offers a scenic route along the coast.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Komachi-dori
Hase
Yuigahama
Zaimokuza
Day trips
Enoshima Island
10 km from Kamakura • Half day
A small island known for its scenic views, shrines, and caves, offering a mix of nature and culture.
Yokohama
30 km from Kamakura • Full day
A major city with a rich history, known for its Chinatown, museums, and waterfront attractions.
Hakone
50 km from Kamakura • Full day or overnight
A scenic onsen (hot spring) town known for its views of Mount Fuji, traditional ryokan (inns), and hot springs.
Festivals
Kamakura Festival • April (specific dates vary)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai • September 14-15
Great Buddha Festival • December (specific dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit the Great Buddha early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Explore the Enoden Line for a scenic and historic tram ride along the coast.
- Try local specialties like shirasu (whitebait) and kamaboko (fish cakes).
- Combine a visit to Kamakura with a day trip to nearby Enoshima or Hakone.
- Carry cash for small purchases and local markets, as not all places accept cards.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
